MSU hosts KRP summer institute

MOREHEAD – Morehead State University’s College of Education hosted the Kentucky Reading Project’s (KRP) summer institute. The project is a professional development initiative for Kentucky public school elementary teachers designed to improve student achievement and emphasize family involvement in literacy.

Dr. Melinda Willis and Belinda Hitch are co-directors of MSU’s KRP.

KRP is a yearlong, graduate level literacy course consisting of summer institute, four follow-up sessions during the year, and at least one coaching visit to each teacher’s classroom. Thirteen teachers from ten different schools participated in this year’s KRP summer institute.

Each day focused on a different concept, including theory and research, comprehension, reading and writing across the curriculum, and providing assistance to struggling readers. Teachers participated in activities that included strategy demonstrations, discussions of personal theories about literacy, and literature circles, as well as hearing guest presenters, who often are alumni of past KRP summer institutes. Participants also developed Literacy Action Plans to address specific needs in their classrooms.

Teachers selected for participation in KRP receive a stipend along with books, teaching materials, and three hours of graduate credit upon completion of the course.

KRP is a statewide initiative sponsored by the Collaborative Center for Literacy Development (CCLD). CCLD is a collaboration among Morehead State University, Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University.